Have you ever asked God to bless someone, then later wondered exactly what that meant, or what God might do about it? Have you wondered what sort of blessing God would like to give?
We pray for blessings,
We pray for peace;
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep.
We pray for healing, for prosperity;
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.
All the while, You hear each spoken need,
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things…
What if our desires are really way too small? Are we a bit like the child playing in a mud puddle instead of running out to enjoy the ocean?
’Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
What if the best blessings involve risk and pain and sacrifice? Do you still want them?
The Bible is full of examples of this. To pick just one, consider the Old Testament story of Joshua (discussed in a newly published three-part article series by Luther Patches). Though daunting, the river without a bridge served as the gateway and catalyst for the victory beyond the river. Many hard-won battles followed as the Israelites began to possess the land promised by God to their forefather, Abraham. Although Joshua left a legacy of victory, God’s people found themselves a few generations later experiencing the uncomfortable blessings of a heavenly Father Who continued to call them to Himself (see the book of Judges).
It’s easy to say that God is sovereign, and that God is good, and quote Romans 8:28 — when we are living in relative ease and prosperity, and enjoying the affirmation of friends who nod in earnest agreement. But what if your situation is different? What if you’re facing a heartbreaking crisis of health, finances, or in a treasured relationship? Isn’t it all still true?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?
What if trials of this life —
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights —
Are your mercies in disguise?
— from “Blessings” by Laura Story
Are you ready to embrace the blessing of God on your life?
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